The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) is proud to present the first concerts of the 2011-12 Columbus Youth Jazz Workshop and Columbus Youth Jazz Studio Ensemble. Showcasing the musical talents of its Youth Jazz program, JAG will feature these two ensembles free of charge on Sunday, December 18 at 4:00 p.m. in the Fort Hayes High School Performing Arts Building.
Under the direction of Ryan Hamilton, the Columbus Youth Jazz Workshop (CYJW) is a big band experience for students in middle through high school. Bringing together students from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels, the CYJW creates a fun and motivational introductory experience for music students in Columbus. Students in the workshop are given the opportunity to concentrate on exploring jazz styles, standard repertoire, and beginning improvisation in an ensemble environment.
Ryan Hamilton, a versatile trombonist and educator, teaches at Capital
University in the jazz studies program. An accomplished musician, Hamilton
is a member of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, the Cathedral Brass Ensemble,
and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra, among others. He has performed
with such prominent names in music as Frankie Valli, Bill Dobbins, Spoon,
The Temptations, and his talented playing can be heard on recordings with
the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Wet Darlings, and the New Basics Brass Band.
Under the direction of Mark Donavan, the Columbus Youth Jazz Studio Ensemble
(CYJSE) will take to the stage as well, to bring jazz music to your ears.
This top-level ensemble features students who chose to continue improving
their individual skills and talents in music. An exciting ensemble, the
CYJSE emphasizes a broad exploration of jazz literature.
A saxophonist and pianist with an extensive teaching background, Mark
Donavan originally launched the CYJW, along with Columbus City Schools Jazz
All Stars, aimed at promoting the study and practice of jazz in Columbus
area public schools. Currently, Donovan is the instrumental music director
at Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School and serves as site coordinator
for Berklee College of Music’s City Music Network.
Both the Columbus Youth Jazz Workshop and the Columbus Youth Jazz Studio
Ensemble are open to students playing saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano,
bass, guitar, and drums. Each ensemble rehearses weekly and offers a variety
of performances and other educational activities each season.
The Jazz Arts Group supports music education in the schools and cooperates
with the music education community – all Youth Jazz members are expected to
be actively participating in their school music program(s). JAG’s Youth Jazz
Program, celebrating its 21st year, receives support from the Ohio Arts
Council, The Columbus Foundation and the Greater Columbus Arts Council.
Additional information can be found at www.jazzartsgroup.org or by calling
614-294-5200 x 107.